Ali and Patterson: the city becomes a training camp

November 22, 1965 · original SI issue

Gilbert Rogin’s “Rabbit hunt in Vegas” is a preview of Muhammad Ali’s meeting with Floyd Patterson. The Las Vegas Convention Center provides the stage, but the preparation takes place in a wider city of hotel gyms, visitors and reporters. Ali trains at the El Morocco; Patterson works at the Thunderbird.

The article captures a champion and challenger whose differences extended well beyond technique. Publicity, religion and the argument over Ali’s identity all shape the coverage. It is useful evidence of how a fight occupied Las Vegas before the opening bell. As a pre-fight article, it should be read for the buildup, not as a report of the result.

Original summary by ArenaLV. The source article, photographs and audio remain with their publisher. Access conditions may vary.